2017 Kia Rio – The Sleek, Affordable Subcompact

The 2017 Kia Rio provides a lot of fun in a small package and at an extremely affordable price – base MSRP is just $14,165! That’s less than a set of tires for a Ferrari. But Kia didn’t cut any corners producing this subcompact; it’s sporty, looks good and has a surplus of standard features. The Rio got a makeover consisting of redesigned front and rear ends, a new grille and taillights, improved interior materials and additional sound insulation for the 2016 model year.
Available in either sedan or hatchback form, the Rio comes in three trim levels including LX, EX and SX. Even the base LX comes with amenities such as air conditioning, a six-way manual driver’s seat, satellite radio, USB and auxiliary audio jacks and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.
Move up to the EX with Power package and you get foglights, a chrome grille surround, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a six-speaker audio system, cruise control, map lights, dual illuminated visor-mounted vanity mirrors, upgraded cloth upholstery, a soft-touch dash, padded armrests on the front doors and a sliding center console armrest and storage area.
The top of the line Rio 4-Door SX comes with all of the standard equipment as the EX and also adds the Eco package’s UVO infotainment system, rearview camera, keyless ignition and entry, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a navigation system, automatic headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, a sport-tuned suspension, a powered sunroof and an upgraded gauge cluster.
You’ll find the 138-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood of all Rio sedans and 5-door hatchbacks, sending power to the front wheels through either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. All Rios achieve an excellent 31 combined mpg. An optional Eco package is available with an automatic stop-start system that shuts the engine down when the car comes to a halt and restarts it when the brake pedal is released, improving city mileage.
Kia never skimps on safety, and the Rio is no exception. For 2017, it comes standard with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, a hill-start assist system, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. A rearview camera is also available.